Bell Ringer: Argument Structure

Read the student sample argument essay. Look at the handout I gave you offering a general outline for an argument.

1. Introduce Issue
a. background information
b. definition of terms

2. Claim
Thesis statement may appear anywhere within the argument!

3. Body
a. Reasons and Evidence (logos)
b. Emotional Appeals (pathos)
c. Opposing Viewpoints (ethos)

4. Conclusion
a. restate claim
b. final appeals to needs or values
c. urges readers to take action (solution?)

Using a highlighter, try to find each of these components in the released sample essay.

Timed Write (40 minutes)

‍The following exerpt is from George Orwell's essay "The Sporting Spirit," published in 1945:


‍I am always amazed when I hear people saying that sport creates goodwill between nations, and that if only the common peoples of the world could meet one another at football or cricket, they would have no inclination to meet on the battlefield. Even if one didn't know from concrete examples (the 1936 Olympics, for instance) that international sporting contests lead to orgies of hatred, one could deduce it from general principles... At the international level sport is frankly mimic warfare.


‍In an essay, support, refute, or qualify Orwell's view of sports.


Reading the Anchor Text

Text: "An Innocent at Rinkside" by William Faulkner
Define all of the "Words to Know"
Read the article and annotate according to the steps on the handout. You may work with a partner.


Upcoming Deadlines!

Thursday, February 23- Columnist Evaluation on Blog/Portfolio of all 4 columns and print copy of blog post